Celebrating the 2026
Dzogchen Buddha Path Dharma Teachers
Authorization and Enthronement Ceremony
The International Dzogchen Buddha Path Dharma Teacher Authorization and Enthronement Council and the Dzogchen Shri Singha Foundation USA are pleased to announce the great success of the Dzogchen Buddha Path Dharma Teachers Authorization and Enthronement Ceremony for Bodhi Lamas, Dharma Acharyas, and Sangha Mitras conducted by Holy Vajra Master Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche and the International Dzogchen Buddha Path Dharma Teachers and Sangha. This auspicious event was an important milestone in the preservation and promulgation of the Dzogchen Buddha Path Lineage in this world.
On the 21st and 22nd of August, 2026, at the Dzogchen Retreat Center USA, the Holy Vajra Master Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche and the Dzogchen Buddha Path Dharma Teacher Authorization and Enthronement Council authorized and enthroned forty-eight Dharma Teachers of the Dzogchen Buddha Path. International Sangha gathered from around the world to participate and celebrate in this momentous occasion.
The Authorization System
Since 2018, the Holy Vajra Master and Authorization and Enthronement Council have established over 100 licensed teachers of the Dzogchen Buddha Path Lineage. These authorizations are only bestowed after a candidate has received years of Dharma teaching and training and achieved a meaningful level of Dharma knowledge, beneficial conduct, and virtuous activities. They must have shown clearly in their actions that they wish to benefit both the Dzogchen Buddha Path system and all beings.
Each candidate must pass the Twelve Great Criteria for Dzogchen Buddha Path Dharma Teachers, which verify that they possess the qualities of an authentic teacher. The Holy Vajra Master, Authorization and Enthronement Council, and the International Sangha must also agree that candidates are suitable and prepared to represent our sacred lineage.
This system has been proven to select and authorize qualified Dharma teachers and the vast majority of licensed teachers have been successful in their Dharma teachings and activities. The teachers authorized in past years have not only taught and guided many students in their respective countries and languages but also diligently continued in their own training and development. We praise and honor their dedication and achievements.
The Authorization Event
Sangha members travelled from eleven countries to be present. This included honored guests, sponsors, disciples, close family and volunteers, together with Dharma Teachers already holding authorization. They came to renew their vows and commitments and to bless and rejoice with those receiving authorization for the first time.
Each candidate was carefully considered by the Dharma Teacher Authorization and Enthronement Council and voted on by the assembled Sangha. During the sacred ceremony, the Holy Vajra Master conferred the authorizations and performed the enthronement for each teacher.
12 Levels of Teachers
The Dzogchen Buddha Path has established 12 levels of Dharma Teacher, and each teacher is authorized to teach Dharma appropriate to their level. This year alone, 48 Dharma Teachers were authorized and enthroned at this ceremony including 21 Bodhi Lamas, 17 Dharma Acharyas, and 10 Sangha Mitras.
Gratitude and Rejoicing
Our deepest gratitude is offered to the Holy Vajra Master Dzogchen Khenpo Choga Rinpoche, for his tireless guidance, for establishing our authorization system, and for conferring these authorizations upon the qualified Sangha.
Gratitude is offered to the International Dharma Teacher Council and to the permanent Councils of the Organization; to every event committee and team — those who prepared the authorization space and the holy objects, those who arranged travel, lodging and meals, those who kept the schedule, who translated, who recorded, and those who cared for everyone who came; and to the sponsors and benefactors whose generosity supported the offerings.
Gratitude is also offered to the precious Sangha, whose good intentions and skillful efforts made this ceremony such a wonderful and auspicious success. A grand ceremony like this can only be accomplished through the support and efforts of the entire Sangha. Please rejoice with us.
May these Dzogchen Buddha Path Dharma Teachers preserve and promulgate the Dzogchen Buddha Path System in all directions and at all times.
By promoting these virtuous Dzogchen Buddha Path Teachers, may all Dzogchen Buddha Path practitioners and all beings swiftly and completely receive the blessings, empowerments, and attainments of the Dzogchen Lineage Masters and each and every Buddha and enlightened being.
